751G.00/10–2254: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris1
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Tedul 14. For Secretary and Heath from Acting Secretary. Today President and NSC reviewed unsatisfactory situation in Free Viet-Nam. They noted (a) Vietnamese Government still immobilized by opposition military clique despite US–French agreement on political action, (b) French have not been actively working to consolidate Diem government, and (c) some new immediate US moves are necessary to try break paralyzing impasse since time is running out and Diem government will otherwise collapse.
In light NSC discussion and at President’s suggestion believe it would be useful if you would talk to Mendes-France along following lines:
- (1)
- US and France can further free world objectives in Vietnam most effectively by giving their support and assistance to a government [Page 2160] of national union under Premiership of Diem, in accordance with September 29 understanding quoted in Tedul 11.2 We believe French can still bring much more pressure on military cabal than has been exerted to make peace with Diem so that his government may proceed with urgent internal tasks.
- (2)
-
If US now proceeds to implement assistance programs, that action may help to establish government of national union around Diem which can begin to carry out its national program. Without waiting any longer for various personal decisions on distribution of cabinet seats, US accordingly is prepared to move forward on political, economic and military levels. In attempt to break discouraging stalemate our immediate program involves:
- (a)
- Delivery of the President’s letter to Diem3 reiterating US support for Government of Free Vietnam and suggesting immediate discussions regarding US direct assistance, and
- (b)
- The initiation of an immediate limited military advisory and training program by MAAG Saigon.
This second is the subject of a separate telegram4 which the President hopes you will also be able to discuss in general terms with Mendes-France to secure his agreement.
- (3)
- If a government of national union is not formed, or if formed does not receive full and unreserved support of national army or other groups and personalities throughout free Vietnam, or if Diem is removed from office or effectively prevented from developing broad government, the US will have to reconsider its aid to Vietnam and in particular whether it will continue even limited, short term assistance to prevent a critical emergency. In this respect conclusions of Senator Mansfield are relevant. At this time we see no satisfactory alternative governmental solution insofar as effective US assistance or forthcoming Congressional support are concerned.
For Heath Saigon: You are instructed (a) to deliver President’s letter to Diem and notify Department of delivery for White House public release; (b) to indicate to Diem your readiness to follow up with preliminary talks on aid programs with Vietnamese officials; (c) make known above US positions to Vietnamese and French officials; and (d) work out with Ely concrete steps to implement Deptel 13825 re Hinh, Xuan and Vien.
This message should be taken in conjunction with joint State—Defense message on training Vietnamese forces.